Donald Haynes, 45, a parolee from Stockton, California, died on February 9, 2014, after a violent confrontation with police. Officers investigating an assault from the previous night identified Haynes as a suspect and stopped a vehicle in which he was a passenger. After exiting the vehicle, Haynes confronted an officer with a 19.5-inch bayonet and, despite repeated commands to drop it, did not comply. An officer, Robert Johnson III, fired multiple shots; Haynes fell but reportedly continued to resist until officers used a K-9 unit and a baton to subdue him. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead.

The shooting drew criticism from community leaders, including former Stockton City Council member Ralph White, who said he had cell phone videos that showed Haynes with his arms in the air when he was shot and called for an independent investigation. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts to determine whether criminal charges were warranted; the inquiry involved the Stockton Police Department, SST Forensics, and the Department of Justice. Haynes’ death intensified local concern about police use of force, especially in the Black community.

If anyone witnessed the February 9, 2014 confrontation or has information about the events leading up to it, please share what is known.